The prosecution claim that Mr Mayers, 34, of Connah's Quay was punched unconscious by Tierney after Tym had insulted his wife, Louise, at the party organised by Hawarden-based Cambrian Associates. The wives of all three men are employed by the company.

Mr Storie said that Mr Mayers was "clearly seeking a confrontation" and the two defendants had responded in self-defence.

He said that after the incident, Mr Mayers had been arrested for a public order offence because of his behaviour outside the hotel.

Mr Storie said witnesses had given varying accounts of what had happened.